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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend November 16, 2006 Election aids Middleford property owners Measure 39 approval could boost sales price for site of downtown Medford development By Meg Landers Mail Tribune Some property owners within Medford's proposed Middleford Commons development now have more leverage to obtain higher prices for their land, thanks to the recent passage of state Ballot Measure 39. The measure, which passed with 67 percent of the vote on Nov. 7, prohibits a public agency from condemning private property if the agency intends to convey it to another private party. The Medford Urban Renewal Agency, then, cannot condemn property within Middleford Commons that is planned for the headquarters of Lithia Motors Inc. — the centerpiece of the ambitious, multiblock development. MURA is negotiating prices on the Greyhound bus station and garage, Sam Jennings Co. building and Superior Stamp and Sign property, all between Riverside and Central avenues and Third and Sixth streets. MURA attorney Dan Thorndike said only the Jennings property would be affected by the measure because MURA intends to transfer the property to Lithia. The Greyhound and Superior Stamp properties are flagged for public parkland. Advertisement Don Denman, the Medford attorney representing the Jennings family, said his clients are willing to sell. He said Measure 39 might give the family members a little more support in obtaining an amount they feel is appropriate. "We're not asking for a certain price at this point — it's still in flux," he said. Thorndike said all the property owners have agreed to sell, but none have agreed to the appraisals presented by MURA. The figures are not available to the public until after the acquisition is complete. But the agency has said it offers fair market value, often with additional relocation expenses. Jason Anderson, Medford councilman and liaison to MURA, said he did not have any further comment beyond the fact that the agency is in continued negotiations with the property owners. "These things take time," he said. Anderson said he didn't immediately know of any other Medford projects that could be affected by Measure 39. Thorndike said once the property acquisitions are complete, the developers will begin submitting applications to the city. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Related Stories: 04-07-2006 - MURA meeting extended 04-18-2006 - Giving MURA a hand 07-12-2006 - Middleford Commons is forum topic 07-13-2006 - Downtown Face Lift 08-09-2006 - Middleford Commons will be the focus of a joint study session at noon Thursday 08-11-2006 - Middleford plans move forward 08-20-2006 - Middleford: Lithia takes the lead 09-07-2006 - Middleford receives approval from MURA 09-08-2006 - Council OKs Middleford Commons 09-10-2006 - A refresher on Middleford 10-18-2006 - State says Lithia needn't pay prevailing wages 11-16-2006 - Election aids Middleford property owners FORUM - Discuss this topic in our forum. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help